News

Look out Redlands you are about to be invaded by more than 780 Primary School netballers keen to compete and have some fun while they are doing it.

More than70 teams from around Queensland will converge at Redlands Netball Association this weekend for the 2013 Mission Foods Primary Schools Cup.

This annual event continues to grow each year with 360 games of netball being played across the weekend with girls aged between 9-13 years competing.

This year there are 8 pools, with each pool named after a Mission Queensland Firebird player including Laura Geitz, Demelza McCloud, Gabi Simpson, Ameliaranne Well, Romelda Aiken, Kimberly Ravaillion and ClareMcMeniman.

Brisbane’s very own returning Mission Queensland Firebird Clare McMenimanwill be there to cheer on the teams in the final, sign autographs and she is planning to stick around to present the Mission Foods Cupto the winning team.

McMeniman played 66 games over five seasons with the Firebirds and was Vice Captain for three (2008-10). After a two- year retirement, she returns to the team she helped lead during their undefeated 2011 premiership season.

“I love that the pools are named after Firebirds’ players and as a very proud Queenslander feel honoured that one has been named after me. I hope my name will bring some luck and success to some of the teams in my pool,” McMeniman said.

“This weekend provides a fantastic opportunity for primary school students all over Queensland to come together, continue to develop their netball and teamwork skills and have fun. I am so excited to be a part of it and look forward to seeing our future Queensland netball stars take to the court.”

Netball Queensland State Competitions Officer Cara McDonell said the Mission Foods Primary Schools Cup provided an opportunity for young netballers to compete in a state-wide competition.

“This competition is a great way to for students to become involved in netball by playing against other Primary Schools across Queensland,” she said.

“Many of these young netballers have seen their older sisters play in Netball Queensland carnivals around the state, and this is their opportunity to have a go and experience a large competition themselves.”

Winners of the competition will be presented with their trophies on Sunday, October 27 by Firebird Clare McMeniman.